The British Government has given Martin McGuinness, the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and member of the Sinn Féin Republican Party, a new posh title. We’re sure he’s delighted…
The next time you see MartyMc – sorry, that’s Martin McGuinness, Steward and Bailiff of the Manor, to you and I – strolling through the streets, make sure to bow you’re top hat as he’s been given a nice new title by The Chancellor of the Exchequer.
So why would a Sinn Féin member accept an aristocratic title such as Steward and Bailiff of the Manor? Well Mr McGuinness actually had no choice in the matter. He’s stepping down as an MP in the UK government, however, protocol states that you must take up the post as Steward and Bailiff of the Manor in order to formally leave the Commons. It’s something that’s been around for centuries and we all know what the Brits are like when it comes to silly old traditions.
In a statement, the Treasury said: “The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed James Martin Pacelli McGuinness to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.”
A spokesman for Sinn Fein said: “Martin McGuinness resigned the same way as Gerry Adams in 2011.
“As Irish republicans we gave no time for antiquated and ridiculous titles of the British parliamentary system then and this remains the situation.”
Oh…
